Cheer jumps explained: toe touch, pike, hurdler and more

What are the main cheer jumps?

Most cheer jumps share the same setup and only differ in the leg position hit at the top. The goal in every one is to reach the shape at the highest point of the jump, with straight legs, pointed toes, and strong arm motions, then land with control.

These are the jumps you will see most often in routines and evaluations.

• •Toe touch: legs straddle out to the sides, straight and turned out, with toes back and chest up. Despite the name, you reach toward your toes, not touch them.
• •Pike: both legs shoot straight out in front together, body folding toward them with arms reaching past the legs.
• •Front hurdler: one leg kicks straight up in front while the other bends back underneath.
• •Side hurdler: one leg goes to the side like half a toe touch while the other bends, giving a split-style shape from the side.
• •Herkie: one leg straight out to the side and the other bent toward the ground, a classic old-school cheer jump.

How is a cheer jump performed?

Every jump follows the same phases. Understanding them helps athletes clean up their form and hit higher.

First comes the prep, with a strong arm swing and a slight bend in the knees to load power. Then the lift, driving up through the legs and swinging the arms up to gain height. At the peak, the athlete snaps the legs into the jump position, hits it sharply, and holds it for an instant. Finally the legs snap back together for a tight, controlled landing with the feet under the hips.

• •Prep: load with an arm swing and a controlled knee bend.
• •Lift: drive up through the legs, keeping the chest tall.
• •Peak: hit the leg position at the top, not on the way up or down.
• •Snap and land: pull the legs together and land tight and balanced.

How are cheer jumps scored?

In competition, jumps are judged on several things at once. Height is a big one, but a high jump with sloppy legs will not score as well as a controlled one hit cleanly. Judges also want timing, meaning the athlete hits the peak shape exactly when the group does and at the top of the jump.

Other factors include flexibility and how close the legs get to a flat, level position, pointed toes, straight legs, strong and clean arm motions, an upright chest, and a solid landing. In a routine, synchronization matters too, since a group hitting jumps in perfect unison scores higher than one that is scattered.

How do athletes train better jumps?

Jumps improve with a mix of strength, flexibility, and technique work. Coaches build them through targeted drills rather than just repeating full jumps, which prevents bad habits and reduces strain.

Common training includes flexibility work for the splits and straddle, core and hip strength for lifting the legs higher, and drills that isolate the arm swing and the leg snap. Repetition with good form under a coach's eye is what turns a low, loose jump into a sharp, high one.

• •Flexibility training for straddle and split positions.
• •Core and hip flexor strength to lift the legs higher and hold them.
• •Arm swing and set drills for timing and power.
• •Landing drills for a tight, controlled finish that protects the knees.

Are cheer jumps safe to train at home?

Basic jump and flexibility drills can be practiced with care, but form should be introduced by a coach so athletes do not develop habits that strain the knees, hips, or lower back. Landings in particular need proper technique to protect the joints. Athletes should train full jumps on appropriate surfaces under supervision.

For families in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, and Broward County, coached classes are where jumps come together with strength and flexibility work. Clean, powerful jumps are a big part of a routine score, and they are best built with expert guidance.